Beyond Empowerment

Moving throughout the country, this pilgrimage to various worksites of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) offers stories of the triumphs and joys experienced when people come together to strive to reach beyond their circumstances. Each chapter focuses on a different dimension of organizing and economic development, in varied regions of the United States— from a jobs program for youth in post-Katrina New Orleans to working women organzing for fairness and education in Seattle; from advocates for people with disabilities in Chicago, to ex-prisoners giving back to their communities in Massachusetts, to health initiatives in a Native American Indian nation outside of Tucson, Arizona. Through the voices of CCHD employees, organizers, and friends, Beyond Empowerment articulates their struggles, moments of insight, and inspirations through interviews and profiles that touch both heart and soul.

Jeffry Odell Korgen is the author of numerous books, including The True Cost of Low Prices: The Violence of Globalization (Orbis, 2014), Solidarity Will Transform the World: Stories of Hope from Catholic Relief Services (Orbis, 2007), and My Lord andMy God: Engaging Catholics in Social Ministry (Paulist, 2007). He lives in New Jersey.

These inspiring stories call us to reflect on the parable we know so well and ask "Who [is] my neighbor?"

Rachelle Linner, in Catholic Library World04/21/2016, 12:06 PM

This is a book of resurrection stories, narratives about change in structures, and change in personal lives — not the individual triumphing alone, but people who create communities that create change — and so engender hope beyond empowerment. Recommended for all libraries.